Celebrations in the snow

Nicola and Damon had a Christmas-themed big day incorporating Asian influences at Mountains Country HouseImages courtesy of Rachel Luckhurst Photography

In the beginning

Nicola Martin and Damon Singh met through friends at a barbecue during the summer of 2003 and soon began dating. "I wouldn't say it was love at first sight but I quickly came to realise what a warm and genuine person Damon was, plus he used to be a mechanic so he could fix my car for free!" says Nicola. Damon adds, "I think Nicola first took an interest in me because of my Craig David looks. But on a more serious note, we both soon realised how compatible we were and how much we had in common."

Damon popped the question during a two-week break while the couple were travelling around the UK. "In the second week of the holiday, I decided the moment was right and, armed with the engagement ring, champagne and chocolates in my rucksack, I asked Nicola for her hand in marriage while we were on a walk in the Lake District," recalls Damon. Nicola adds, "I had an inkling he was going to propose and although he didn't get down on one knee, it was very romantic." When Nicola and Damon arrived back home they started to eagerly plan their big day.

Close to home

Nicola and Damon opted for an intimate day at Mountains Country House. "We chose to get married there as it's in a great location and not too far from where we live. The building is usually a school but during non-term time it's hired out for weddings. We liked the idea our nuptials would also help to raise funds for the school," says Nicola.

A stylish celebration

Nicola decided to wear a simple gown for the big day. "I tried on about six dresses and ended up buying the second one; I know it was special as it made my mum tearful. It was a Grecian-style dress by Enzoani."

The bride-to-be accessorised with Diane Hassall shoes, a 1930s-style hair band, long satin gloves and feather cape. Nicola's sister, Kerry-Ann, was the maid-of-honour and wore a red chiffon dress while the flowergirls, Anya and Amber, wore ivory gowns.

Cultural delights

To celebrate Damon's Indian roots, the couple chose an Asian menu for the wedding breakfast.

"The food included shami lamb kebab for the starter, tandoori chicken with coconut rice for the main and strawberry cheesecake for the dessert. It was delicious," says Damon.

For the drinks reception, the newlyweds enjoyed mulled wine with canapés and guests ate miniature portions of fish and chips for the evening buffet.

A white wedding

The couple stayed at their house the night before their nuptials. "I think anyone who gets married at Christmas would like a light dusting of snow to set the scene. We, however, had an avalanche which continued throughout the morning and we began to worry about whether or not our guests would get stuck in the snow," says Nicola.

The couple had originally planned to arrive at the venue in a 1930s Bentley but due to the conditions the soon-to-be newlyweds ended up getting a lift from their next-door neighbour. "Myself and Damon were the first to arrive which we laughed about! Some people had to cancel due to being snowed in but luckily, most of the guests made it in time for the ceremony."

Decorative touches

The venue provided a large Christmas tree in the entrance hall and the couple also had a miniature tree decorated with tags for their table plan. "We had crackers for our favours which doubled up as place names. They contained a joke and either a fake moustache for the boys, or Cath Kidston bath products for the girls," says Nicola. "I also enjoyed paying attention to other details, such as the centrepieces, which comprised hurricane lanterns surrounded by festive wreaths, as well as designing our wedding stationery."

Music to our ears

During the ceremony, the couple decided on a selection of songs. "We chose Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy for our arrival and chose The Power of Love by Frankie Goes to Hollywood for the signing of the register.

For a festive touch, guests sang along to the Christmas carol, Winter Wonderland, and we walked out to a jazzy version of Jingle Bells," says Nicola.